Our goal is to keep Michigan's motorists safe, informed, and mobile. That is why MDOT offers many ways to help ease the stress of commuting by providing information that commuters want and need as they make daily travel decisions.
Did you know that millions of people visit the Great Lakes State every year? Whether you are from out of state or right here in Michigan, we want to ensure your travel throughout Michigan is informative, comfortable, and fun.
At MDOT, safety is paramount. It is our goal to improve overall safety for all road users, internal staff, contractors performing work on roads, and emergency responders.
Every year, MDOT produces an updated version of the state transportation map. The department also produces numerous geographic information system maps to assist commuters, tourists, and businesses.
In Michigan, there are three publicly-owned and operated bridges: Mackinac Bridge, Blue Water Bridge, and International Bridge. There are also two privately-owned and operated border crossings: Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel.
A vibrant and sustainable multimodal transportation system is vital to Michigan's future economic viability and competitiveness. From aviation to public transportation, rail, freight, and marine, MDOT is involved in all modes of transportation.
MDOT's Office of Business Development (OBD) manages external civil rights programs, such as the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Program, the On-the-Job Training Program, and the Small Business Program, and ensures compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, equal opportunity requirements for contractors, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.
MDOT is committed to ensuring that projects, programs and services are performed without discrimination, under Title VI.
Contractors and vendors who work on federally assisted projects are required to establish and carry out policies to assure that applicants are employed and that employees are treated during employment without regard to their race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, color, national origin, age, or disability.
Resources for minorities, women, and other socially/economically disadvantaged persons.
The Bureau of Bridges and Structures is responsible for statewide policy, procedure development, and execution to ensure all bridges and structures are designed, constructed, maintained, and operated to ensure safety.
MDOT provides funding for competitive grant and loan programs primarily, but not exclusively, for state and local road agencies for the greatest impact on economic development and job creation.
MDOT's Highway Programs focus on the development and management of the department's roadsides, environmental efforts and policies, and federal-aid highway information.
The Bureau of Transportation Planning develops and implements a comprehensive transportation planning process which results in investments that are consistent with the policies of the State Transportation Commission.
Research Administration supports and promotes innovative research that encourages safe, sustainable and cost-effective transportation solutions throughout Michigan.
MDOT provides technologies and partnerships in order to make the transportation system safer and less congested.
MDOT has ongoing government-to-government communication with 12 federally recognized sovereign tribal governments whose lands are situated within Michigan.
The Office of Communications works with the media to inform the public of MDOT's mission, policies and practices in a positive, consistent and credible manner. The office is responsible for media relations, social media, and website development.
Public participation is integral to efficient, effective and responsive transportation decisions. At MDOT, we want to ensure your voice is not only heard, but makes a difference in moving Michigan forward.
Transportation Reality Check takes on transportation myths and misconceptions, and explains why MDOT does things the way they do.
Resources for the development of quality transportation project documents and services.
Resources for specialized engineering and technical support for construction staff.
Resources for prequalification, bid letting, contract awards, and payments.
Resources for consultant advisories, prequalification information, contracts, and proposals.
Resources for grant and economic development opportunities and project coordination.
Resources for local governmental agencies that regularly require access to state right of way.
Resources for MDOT real estate standards, policies and procedures, and training.
Resources for general work zone mobility guidelines for engineering and technical staff.
Resources for rules, guidelines, restrictions, and permits to safely transport goods.
MDOT's goal is to support the implementation and use of GIS software and hardware through innovative solutions that solve spatial problems and support more informed decisions about Michigan's transportation infrastructure.
The technical training (TT) course schedule lists the various technical training courses offered through the Office of Organizational Development during the construction off-season months for the local agencies and consultants.
The Internship Program offers undergraduate and graduate students interested in civil engineering and construction management careers, valuable experience by working with professional field staff.
TRAC engages high school and middle school students in solving real-world problems, such as designing bridges or analyzing the environmental effects of building a highway.
The MDOT Transportation Career Pathways Program is committed to helping you build a fulfilling and rewarding career in the transportation industry, even if you're not entirely sure where to start.
MDOT's Engineer Development Program (EDP) is a rotational program that provides new engineers experience in multiple work areas while being assigned a senior-level mentor.
The HBCU TDRP is a unique partnership between MDOT and Michigan colleges and universities to offer on-the-job training to undergraduate students pursuing degrees in engineering or transportation-related careers.
The Veteran Internship Program assists honorably discharged veterans of the United States Armed Forces as they transition into the civilian workforce.
Engineering Week videos and lesson plans are all-inclusive resources to show early elementary to high school students the career of civil engineering at MDOT.
At MDOT, we are here to help. If you can't find what you are looking for in our popular topics, frequently asked questions or website search, give us a call at 517-241-2400 or fill out our contact form.
MDOT's seven region offices each handle transportation-related construction, maintenance and programs within the region's geographic boundaries.
Governmental Affairs represents MDOT's interests as new or amendatory legislation is developed or moving through the legislative process.
Commissions and councils provide a public forum for policy development and implementation.
Policies help the department implement its mission of serving and connecting people, communities, and the economy through transportation.
Allows MDOT's regions and engineers to expand their knowledge on how Michigan freeways are operating over time and how they compare to each other.
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When approaching a work zone, motorists should follow all signs, adjust their speed, and move into open space when directed by crews or signs. The key to merging safely in a work zone is courtesy and patience. Merging is easier and safer when drivers act in a courteous manner and work together. Drivers who block other vehicles from merging create unsafe conditions and longer delays.
As soon as you see the “Work Zone Begins” sign, you should start planning ahead. Follow all signs and start looking for a safe space between vehicles in the open lane and merge (don’t forget the blinker) into that space in a smooth manner. When to merge will also depend on the traffic volumes and type of work zone. The key to work zone merging is planning.
Don’t panic, remain calm! If possible, steer your vehicle to the shoulder or a ramp and call 911. If not, turn on the vehicle flashing hazard lights and call 911. Always remain in your vehicle until help arrives. This is the safest place for you, workers, and other motorists.
Many work zone operations are mobile and constantly moving ahead or from one location to another. To be efficient, crews try to expedite the work using specialized equipment that improves work production. Chances are the workers you see are part of a larger crew operating other vehicles. In many cases it takes as many as three additional vehicles to perform the traffic control that allows the main work operation to proceed.
In many cases it is not feasible or safe to conduct work operations within the limits of a single lane. Maintaining traffic directly adjacent to a work operation, separated only by a lane stripe, is extremely dangerous for both drivers and workers. Keep in mind the number of lanes open/closed depends on the type and length of work. Our practice is to close the minimum number of lanes to perform work safely and effectively, as well as keeping traffic impacts/delays to a minimum.
It is a challenge to balance the increasing need to repair/rebuild roads and bridges while ensuring mobility and safety. A full road closures is one tool road agencies have that can help achieve this balance. Full road closures have the potential to expedite project completion, reduce impacts of construction and work zone crashes, and, most importantly, improve safety for workers and motorists.
Yes! The reduced speed limit in a work zone is for the safety of workers and motorists. Even if you don’t see workers, there may be shoulder drop-offs, uneven pavement, road cutouts, bridge work, or new concrete/asphalt. All posted speed limits within a work zone are the legal and enforceable speed limits. Remember, in Michigan, fines are doubled for speeding in a work zone, so slow down.
There are many types of work that are not always visible to the motoring public. Activity like surveying, bridge repairs/inspections, utility relocation, and preliminary work are just a few examples. Remember, work zones are in place to ensure the safety of workers and motorists. If you see orange barrels, it’s a work zone, so slow down and pay attention!
